MetaEfficient Reviews » Cleaning Supplies

Efficient Lubricant: Jojoba Oil

Justin — Mon, 24 Apr 2006 20:59:03 +0000

You’ve probably heard of Jojoba oil being used in cosmetics, but it’s also a great substitute for petroleum-based lubricants, which tend to be strong smelling and polluting. Jojoba is the best alternative because it is a natrual liquid wax that never goes rancid. Use it as you would a petroleum lubricating oil, such as for stuck doors, squeaky hinges and machine lubrication. Jojoba oil comes from the Simmondsia chinensis shrub native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts of Arizona, California, and Mexico. The mature seed is a hard oval, dark brown in color and contains an oil (liquid wax) content of approximately 54%.

You can buy Jojoba oil in bulk from Horton Supply on eBay or from Amazon.

Based on an entry in Better Basics For The Home.

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Citrus-Based Bike Degreasers

Justin — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 20:50:47 +0000

Citrus degreasers are powerful and much safer to use than traditional petroleum-based solvents like gasoline or kerosene. Citrus solvents are non-flammable and 100% biodegradeable. They are also strongly aromatic — so use them in a well-ventilated area or your house will smell like oranges! Best if used on metal parts like chains, bearings and some components.

More non-toxic bike cleaning supplies can be found at Pedro’s. Washing soda can also be used as a degreaser.

Available from: Bradford Bike

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Biodegradable Dish Scrubbers and Brushes

Justin — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 21:30:03 +0000

Made from thin ribbons of fine-grit sandpaper, these biodegradable scrubbers come from Japan. They are called “Sandclean Scrubbers” and they are said to outperform regular sponges and steel wool. They are quite durable and do not beak apart. They work well on tea or coffee stains in teapots and cups. Also shown here is a Tawashi Brush — it’s a natural scrub brush made from palm fibers which are tightly bound with thick wire. It is a great utensil for scrubbing root vegetables and other items without bruising the skins.

The Sandclean and theTawashi Brush are available from Korin for $7.50 to $8.50. The Tawashi Brush is also available from Simply Natural Foods.

Found via WorldChanging.

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Zeolite: MetaEfficient Odor Absorber

Justin — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 00:31:47 +0000

Zeolite is a natural mineral which absorbs odors and excess moisture in the air. It can be used as a general deodorizer and to combat mildew or mould. When used in refrigerators and freezers, it can reduce electricity cost by up to 12% by maintaining optimum humidity, and it helps keep food fresher. Zeolite is usually sold in packets that can be hung in strategic locations.

Zeolite is formed over millions of years as volcanic ash slowly changed and crystallized when exposed to alkaline water.

The crystals have an interconnecting lattice structure, forming a honeycomb of interconnecting channels with a negative charge. Within these channels are positively charged ions that attract and trap other materials, including those that cause odors.

Because of the honeycomb structure, zeolite is able to absorb moisture and gas molecules that total about 65 percent of the weight of the zeolite itself. The material has virtually no fragrance, and it releases nothing as it absorbs other materials. A day in bright sunshine is usually enough to release the contaminants and restore the zeolite to working condition. Packets can also be recharged in a 200-degree oven for an hour. The low temperature will keep the plastic bags from melting. (Zeolite itself can withstand temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit before it degrades.)

It’s available from the Environmental Home Center and Zeolite Depot.

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Soap Nuts: Natural Detergent

Justin — Fri, 05 Aug 2005 02:03:32 +0000

We always like to discover innovative, plant-based products that are being introduced into the marketplace. Take for example, Soap Nuts which are an organic, eco-effective alternative to detergent. The powder is made from the sun-dried fruit of Sapindus Trifoliatus trees in south eastern India which is ground into a fine powder. Nothing further is added to the powder, and it can be made into a paste, liquid or used as a powder.

Soap Nut shells contain saponin (a natural detergent) and when they come in contact with water they make mild suds. Soap Nuts could prove more economical than your regular powder — two pounds of Soap Nut shells is enough for around 100 washes. Fabric softener is not needed.

They clean just as well but are completely odorless. The only drawback to Soap Nuts is that although they do preserve color in fabrics, they are not so good with white washing — you may want to add some natural whitener.

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Non-Toxic, Soy-Based Lubricants

Justin — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 06:05:12 +0000

If you want a metaefficient lubriciant, a soy-based one is probably the best choice. We’re talking about the kind of lubricant you use on gears, valves and chains.

SoyClean makes a lubricant with all natural ingredients, and it penetrates just as well as more toxic lubricants. When using it, there are no harmful fumes or vapors involved. If you oil your bike with it, you won’t be polluting your yard.

It is priced at $6.49 for a 22oz spray bottle. A classic example of metaefficiency: a product that is competitively priced, works just as well, and is healthier all round.

SoyClean also makes soy-based paint strippers, strain removers, wood sealers and cleaners.

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Cool Green Clean Kit

Justin — Thu, 17 Mar 2005 23:54:44 +0000

This attractive cleaning kit features biodegradeable components.

The ecological heavy duty counter cleaner takes out stains on a whole variety of surfaces, while the heavy duty home cleaner works wonders for floors, walls and furniture. The natural carpet deodorizer is specially designed to eliminate odors impregnated in carpets and thick fabrics, and it fills the room with a lavender mint scent, too. The botanical room and fabric deodorizer, on the other hand, has a blue lavender scent and does the same for cushions, curtains and upholstery. And finally, the microfiber wipe completes the set and can clean and polish all types of surfaces. The whole set fits in the handy wooden carrying box that you can reuse as a toolbox, toy box and more.

Available from: Uncommon Goods ($24)

Found via NOTCOT, which also has round-up of other green cleaners out there.

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